Cleaning device for ventilator manifold and method of use thereof

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the cleaning of a ventilator manifold while it is attached to a respiratory support system. A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device used in conjunction with the ventilator manifold to clean the interior chamber of the manifold of patient secretions that have accumulated during the use of the manifold. The cleaning device includes a dual lumen catheter which accesses one of a plurality of manifold ports by inserting the cleaning device through a flexible boot attached to one of the manifold ports. The flexible boot allows for omni-directional use of the cleaning device inside the manifold by medical personnel. The use of the flexible boot in combination with the cleaning device allows medical personnel to cleanse the interior of the manifold without concurrent loss of respiratory support to the patient.

I claim: 
     
       1. A cleaning device for cleaning an interior chamber of a manifold having at least one port therein, said cleaning device comprising: a) a flexible boot attachable to the at least one port of the manifold for sealing said flexible boot to the at least one port;   b) a cleaning tube attachable to said flexible boot, whereby attachment of said flexible boot to both the at least one port and said cleaning tube positions said cleaning tube at least partially within the interior chamber of the manifold and allows for omni-directional adjustment of said cleaning tube within the manifold, wherein said cleaning tube is a dual lumen catheter having a first lumen and a second lumen, said first lumen including a distal end and proximal end wherein said proximal end of sad first lumen includes a connector for connection to an irrigation means, and said second lumen includes a distal end and proximal end wherein said proximal end of said second lumen includes a connector for connection to an aspiration means, whereby said first lumen and said second lumen can irrigate and aspirate said interior chamber simultaneously, said catheter being attached to said flexible boot.   
     
     
       2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible boot includes expansible pleats. 
     
     
       3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein said expansible pleats further allow translational movement of said cleaning tube relative to the manifold. 
     
     
       4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein said expansible pleats form an accordion-like shape. 
     
     
       5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said flexible boot is integrally formed with said cleaning tube. 
     
     
       6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning tube further includes a flexible tip at its distal end. 
     
     
       7. A method of cleaning a manifold having an interior chamber and at least one port with a cleaning device, including a cleaning tube having distal and proximal ends, and flexible boot, wherein the manifold is a ventilator manifold connected to a respiratory support system, said ventilator manifold having a weaning port, said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching the flexible boot to the at least one port, said step of attaching further including attachment of the flexible boot to said weaning port;   b) inserting the distal end of the cleaning tube through the flexible boot and into the interior chamber of the manifold;   c) connecting the proximal end of the cleaning tube to a source of aspiration;   d) aspirating the interior chamber with the cleaning tube;   e) disconnecting the flexible boot from the at least one port.   
     
     
       8. The method of cleaning a ventilator manifold according to claim 7, wherein the manifold is a ventilator manifold connected to a respiratory support system, said ventilator manifold having an accessory attachment port, said step of attaching further comprises attachment of the flexible boot to said accessory attachment port. 
     
     
       9. A method for cleaning the interior chamber of a manifold having an interior chamber and at least one port with a cleaning device having distal and proximal ends, the cleaning device including a cleaning tube and flexible boot, said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching the flexible boot to the at least one port;   b) inserting the distal end of the cleaning tube through the flexible boot and into the interior chamber of the manifold, wherein said step of inserting further includes inserting a cleaning tube having dual lumens, said dual lumens further comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, wherein said first lumen includes a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end of said first lumen including a connector for connection to an aspiration means, and wherein said second lumen including a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end of said second lumen includes a connector for connection to an irrigation means, whereby said first lumen and said second lumen can irrigate and aspirate the interior chamber simultaneously.   
     
     
       10. The method of cleaning the manifold according to claim 9, wherein the manifold is a ventilator manifold connected to a respiratory support system, said ventilator manifold having a weaning port, said step of attaching further comprises attachment of the flexible boot to said weaning port. 
     
     
       11. The method of cleaning the ventilator manifold according to claim 9, wherein the manifold is a ventilator manifold connected to a respiratory support system, said ventilator manifold having an accessory attachment port, said step of attaching further comprises attachment of the flexible boot to said accessory attachment port.